Travel Nurse RN - Med Surg
Louisville, KY
Magnet Medical
3x12 hrs, Nights

Patient Assessment and Monitoring:

• Perform comprehensive respiratory assessments, including evaluating lung sounds, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, effort, and signs of distress.
• Monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, and breathing patterns to assess the patient’s respiratory status.
• Conduct assessments related to chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis, and monitor for exacerbations or complications.
• Utilize diagnostic tools such as pulse oximeters, spirometry, and arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis to assess respiratory function.

Respiratory Care and Management:

• Administer oxygen therapy and respiratory treatments, including nebulizers, inhalers, and chest physiotherapy, as prescribed.
• Educate patients on proper techniques for inhalation therapy, peak flow monitoring, and airway clearance techniques.
• Provide care for patients with mechanical ventilation, ensuring the proper use of ventilators and managing ventilator settings based on patient needs.
• Assist in managing respiratory failure, including weaning patients from mechanical ventilation, and collaborating with respiratory therapists for advanced care.

Care Planning and Coordination:

• Develop individualized care plans for patients with pulmonary conditions, collaborating with physicians, pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare providers.
• Monitor patients' responses to interventions and adjust the care plan as necessary to meet patient needs.
• Coordinate with other departments (e.g., physical therapy, dietitians) to provide comprehensive care and rehabilitation for pulmonary patients.
• Educate patients about managing chronic pulmonary diseases, including avoiding triggers, using prescribed medications, and recognizing early symptoms of exacerbations.

Patient and Family Education:

• Provide education on lung disease management, medication adherence, and techniques for managing respiratory symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
• Teach patients and families how to use home respiratory equipment such as inhalers, oxygen devices, and CPAP/BiPAP machines.
• Support patients in understanding lifestyle modifications, including smoking cessation, dietary changes, and exercise routines, to improve lung health and prevent further complications.

Post-Operative and Post-Procedure Care:

• Provide post-operative care for patients recovering from lung surgeries, such as lung resections, lung transplants, or other pulmonary procedures.
• Monitor respiratory status and manage pain, ensuring early mobilization to prevent complications like atelectasis, pneumonia, or blood clots.
• Assist in managing the recovery process, including educating patients on respiratory exercises and pulmonary rehabilitation to optimize recovery and lung function.

Emergency Response and Critical Care:

• Respond rapidly to respiratory emergencies, such as acute exacerbations of asthma, COPD flare-ups, or respiratory arrest, providing life-saving interventions including CPR, airway management, and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).
• Manage patients with acute respiratory conditions such as pulmonary embolism, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or acute exacerbations of chronic conditions.

Collaboration and Consultation:

• Collaborate with pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive and multidisciplinary care to patients with respiratory conditions.
• Participate in case management and care coordination efforts to optimize patient outcomes and ensure continuity of care across settings.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team to ensure treatment plans align with patient goals, preferences, and needs.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of patient assessments, interventions, treatments, and outcomes in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Monitor and document patient progress and any adverse reactions or complications from respiratory treatments.
• Provide regular reports to physicians and other team members regarding patient status and any concerns regarding treatment plans.

Quality Improvement and Professional Development:

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives focused on enhancing respiratory care, reducing hospital readmissions for pulmonary conditions, or improving patient safety.
• Stay updated on the latest pulmonary care protocols, treatments, and best practices to ensure evidence-based care.
• Engage in continuing education and professional development, attending workshops, conferences, and pursuing certifications such as Certified Pulmonary Nurse (CPN).